4.4: Sky Delights Over Sweden

So much is going on in this picture! In the distance you can see the green and red auroras. You can also see red emission nebulas in the sky; these include the Heart and Soul Nebulas, IC 1396, and the North America Nebula. You can also see the Milky Way galaxy's central band going from the upper left to the lower right. The Andromeda galaxy can also be seen on the lower left side. This picture is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen!!!

4.3: Curious Cometary Knots in the Helix Nebula

This picture was taken by the Hubble Telescope. It is a picture of gas knots found in the Helix Nebula. They can also be found in the Ring Nebula, Dumbbell Nebula, and the Eskimo Nebula. The source of these knots is sill not known very well; however, there is hypothesis that they are driven out by stellar winds. These knots have masses similar to Earth's, but the radii are about the size of Pluto's orbit. The Helix Nebula is about 700 light-years away in the Aquarius constellation. This picture is so beautiful; it almost looks like the ocean.

4,2: Wisps Surrounding the Horsehead Nebula

This is a picture of the famous Horsehead Nebula (located 1,500 light-years away in Orion). To look at specific details, the astronomers at Star Shadow Remote Observatory studied the location for seven hours with a small telescope. They filtered out all the colors except for a very specific color of red light. They added this picture to a picture will full color taken over three hours. Therefore, we are able to see "an intricate tapestry of gaseous wisps and dust-laden filaments" created by stellar winds and supernovas. Since pink is my favorite color, I just love this picture!

4.1: Jules Verne in Orbit

This is a picture at the edge of the Earth as the light fades to night. Jules Verne in this picture is a European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle. Jules is practicing its automated docking cabability as it approaches the International Space Station. Using a laser guide, Jules docked safely on Thursday and delivered over 7,500 ounds of equipment. Jules will remain docked until August. Jules has a diameter of 4.5 meters and is 10.3 meters long. I just love that this transfer vehicle is named after Jules Verne who dreamed of rockets traveling to space. :)